Nagpur police chief outlines plan on drugs, women's safety, traffic and festival security

Nagpur Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil on Thursday presented a new roadmap to strengthen law and order in the city at a 'Meet the Press' programme at the Press Club. Speaking to journalists, he addressed several key issues.

Nangre Patil spoke about serious crime, drug trafficking, women's safety, traffic management, police strength and preparations for the upcoming major festivals. The commissioner, who has nearly three decades of policing experience, said a well-thought-out and coordinated plan would be followed to improve law and order and make Nagpur safer.

According to the commissioner, the growing use of drugs among young people is a matter of serious concern. He said strict action was needed against the big traffickers and peddlers who supply drugs. He said arrests and police action alone were not enough to curb crime. Counselling of offenders and raising public awareness of the dangers of drugs will also be an important part of the police strategy.

Women's safety will remain another big priority for Nagpur Police. The commissioner said efforts would be made to make women aware of their own safety, and the police would act promptly on their complaints. Under this initiative, 12 Nirbhaya teams have been formed in Nagpur. To improve police presence and response in the city, beat marshals are also being deployed round the clock.

Given Nagpur's population and growing needs, Nangre Patil stressed the need to make proper use of the existing police force. He said the city has about 9,500 police personnel. It is necessary to strike the right balance between the strength deployed at police stations, infrastructure needs and recruitment. The commissioner also acknowledged the concern being expressed over serious crimes such as murder and attempt to murder, and said they need special attention.

Traffic will also be an important issue in the new roadmap. The police administration will work to improve traffic flow in the city and resolve parking problems. Effective implementation of the hawker policy will also be necessary to ease the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in congested areas.

Speaking on protests, Nangre Patil said everyone has the right to protest in a democratic manner. He stressed, however, that no one should take the law into their own hands in the name of agitation. According to him, police permission for protests is granted as per the prescribed rules.

Dussehra, Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Navratri are near, and Nagpur Police have begun planning security arrangements for these major events. The commissioner said adequate deployment and a security plan were being prepared to maintain peace during the festivals and ensure citizens' safety. He also said that, to make Nagpur a safer city, the police would keep attending to every aspect of security and law and order.